Washington, 5 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) - A resolution to rein in US President Donald Trump's war powers in the conflict with Iran failed in the Senate on Wednesday.

The Senate voted 47 to 53 to put down the measure, which aimed to ensure any US participation in hostilities against Iran be explicitly authorized by the US Congress.

The measure was supported by a majority of Democrats. Trump's Republicans currently hold a majority in both chambers of Congress, but only by a slim margin.

A so-called War Powers Resolution was first used in response to the Vietnam War in 1973. A key feature of such resolutions is accelerated procedures that allow Congress to decide on the deployment or withdrawal of troops.

"Donald Trump has launched America into a conflict with no clear objectives, no plan, and no authorization from Congress," Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, said ahead of the vote.

According to US media, the House of Representatives is expected to take a vote on the issue on Thursday.

The resolution, "would stop President Donald Trump's illegal, unnecessary war with Iran," according to a statement by several members of Congress. "It does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself or Israel from an Iranian attack."

Photo: MIA archive